We're Getting Married!

In October of 2017, Aaron and Shelby matched on a dating app. Neither of them having had success in the past with dating apps, there wasn't a lot of hope that this app would provide love. Nevertheless, they both continued to swipe left and right, hoping to make a connection. The apps options were either to be open for a match of under 300 miles away, or over 300 miles away. Both Aaron and Shelby opened up the settings to over 300 miles, but not intending to match internationally. Aaron would say it was Shelby's eyes that drew him in. Shelby would say it was Aaron's wit and humor that struck her. They began to chat, periodically at first, but ramping up in consistency. A couple of weeks in, they decided to video chat, seeing each other in person for the first time (or at least as close to in person as you could get when living on different continents). The video chats grew in consistency as well as the texts, until Aaron finally decided to make the leap and purchase a plane ticket to visit Shelby in the states. The date was set for October 2018. Aaron decided to make a trip around the US before heading to Kentucky, so that (in his words) even if it wasn't a good match, at least he got to do some traveling (a decision he would later regret). Shelby was late to pick him up from the airport because she nervously changed outfits so many times, as Aaron waited patiently with a bouquet of flowers he brought from NYC. The 2 weeks they were together was a whirlwind, but cemented for both of them this was something they wanted to continue to pursue. Shelby soon after purchased tickets to visit Aaron in Australia, in order to see more of his life and the beautiful country he is from. On the last day of the trip, Aaron chose to propose, making the trip a once in a lifetime experience.

On the last day that Shelby was in Australia, Aaron proposed marriage. Shelby insisted Aaron not wait to propose until her lat day in the country, but Aaron had purchased a beautiful ring that unfortunately got caught up in customs. He waited, hoping he could get the ring in his possession, but was unfortunately unsuccessful. On that last day, Aaron took Shelby to a jewelry store to pick out a stand in engagement ring. The first ring Shelby tried on was a perfect fit, so off they went. Aaron had a location in mind to propose, but wasn't sure how to get there, so they drove around the outskirts of Melbourne trying to find the perfect spot. They ended up on private property where they encountered a dozen or so kangaroos hanging out, providing Shelby the stereotypical Australian experience she had hoped for. They drove around some more, encountering a lovely double rainbow and beautiful scenery. After getting turned around a couple more times, Aaron chose to pull into a grassy parkland, that turned out to be inhabited by wild cockatoos. As Aaron got down onto one knee, the hoards of cockatoos flying around overhead were squawking so loudly Shelby had a hard time hearing him, and was in turn laughing hysterically. But pressing forward, Aaron proposed with a lovely commitment, and mentioning that our courtship was not typical, so why should our engagement be? After saying yes, Shelby quickly scurried off to the airport and hopped on a plane back to Kentucky. At the point in time where Aaron and Shelby will wed, they will have spent a total of 8 weeks in each others presence. Not typical to be sure. But very clearly directed by God, and truly meant to be.